Veggie Pizza Pinwheels are tasty little rolled-up snacks filled with colorful veggies and gooey cheese. They’re perfect for a quick lunch or a fun party treat!
Making these is a breeze! Just spread, roll, and slice, and you’ve got a fun finger food that even kids love. I always add extra peppers for an extra crunch—yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Crescent Roll or Pizza Dough: I recommend using crescent roll dough for its flaky texture. If you prefer, use homemade pizza dough or whole wheat dough for a healthier twist!
Pizza Sauce: Any pizza sauce or marinara works here. If you’re short on sauce, a thin layer of cream cheese can also add a creamy base! For a spicy kick, consider adding some hot sauce to your pizza sauce.
Cheese: Mozzarella is the classic choice for flavor and meltability. If you’re dairy-free, plenty of plant-based cheese options can work well too!
Veggies: Feel free to mix up the veggies! Spinach, mushrooms, or even olives can add different flavors. If certain veggies are not available, just use what you have on hand.
Seasoning: Italian seasoning adds great flavor. If you don’t have it, a mix of garlic powder and dried basil will also do the trick.
What’s the Best Way to Roll Pinwheels without Them Falling Apart?
Rolling the dough tightly is important to keep the pinwheels intact. Here are some tips:
- Make sure the dough is rolled out evenly to avoid thick spots, which can lead to uneven cooking.
- Start from one end and roll slowly toward the other. Pull the dough taut as you go, but don’t stretch it too much.
- Once rolled, pinch the seam to seal it well before slicing. A sharp knife will help create clean cuts.
Let the rolled pinwheels rest a few minutes before baking to help hold their shape. Enjoy your delicious creation!
Veggie Pizza Pinwheels
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Base:
- 1 can (8 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough or pizza dough
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce or marinara sauce
Filling:
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red bell pepper
- 1/4 cup finely chopped green bell pepper
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
- 1/4 cup finely chopped broccoli or broccoli florets
- 1/4 cup finely chopped tomato (optional)
Seasonings & Toppings:
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning or oregano
- 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and 12-15 minutes to bake. In total, you’ll need around 30 minutes to whip up this delicious snack or appetizer, perfect for parties or a quick meal.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While that’s heating up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
2. Roll Out the Dough:
On a lightly floured surface, roll out your crescent roll dough or pizza dough into a rectangle. Aim for about 10×12 inches, so it’s nice and flat for easy rolling.
3. Spread the Sauce:
Evenly spread the pizza sauce or marinara sauce over the dough. Make sure to leave about a 1/2-inch border along the edges so it doesn’t ooze out when you roll it.
4. Add Cheese and Veggies:
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce. Then add your chopped bell peppers, red onion, broccoli, and tomato (if you’re using it). Make it colorful!
5. Season It Up:
Sprinkle the dried Italian seasoning or oregano over all the toppings for added flavor. This will give your pinwheels that delicious pizza taste!
6. Roll It Up:
Starting from one long edge, carefully roll the dough into a log shape. Keep it tight but not so tight that the filling spills out.
7. Slice the Pinwheels:
Using a sharp knife, slice the rolled dough into about 10-12 pinwheels, each around 1/2 to 3/4-inch thick. This is where you get those lovely little rounds!
8. Arrange and Top:
Place the pinwheels cut side up on your prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one. If you’d like, sprinkle some Parmesan cheese on top for extra flavor!
9. Bake and Serve:
Pop the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. They’re ready when the dough is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
10. Cool and Garnish:
Once baked, remove the pinwheels from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or basil right before serving for a fresh touch.
Enjoy your delicious, colorful veggie pizza pinwheels warm, and consider serving them with a side of marinara for dipping if you like! They’re sure to be a hit!
Can I Use Other Types of Dough for This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can use puff pastry for a flakier texture or even whole wheat pizza dough for a healthier option. Just adjust the baking time if needed based on the type of dough you choose.
What Vegetables Can I Substitute in This Recipe?
You can mix it up with any of your favorite veggies! Spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini work great. Just make sure to chop them finely, and sauté any that require cooking to ensure they’re tender.
Can I Make These Pinwheels Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the pinwheels, slice them, and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just cover them tightly with plastic wrap to keep them fresh!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store leftover pinwheels in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven or microwave before serving to enjoy their melty goodness again!
